No one likes a rough beard - facial hair that is dry, sharp, and prickly is not just uncomfortable (for you or your partner), there’s also the risk of developing the dreaded issue of beard dandruff. Dry, rough beard hair can also be itchy, make styling difficult, and irritate the skin underneath.

As the experts in beard care, we’ve got the answers for how to soften your beard with easy-to-follow tips. 

What Causes Beard Hair Dryness?

• Poor beard care - If you’re not taking care of your beard, you can expect nothing less than a dry, rough beard. Without moisturising and caring for your beard, facial hair is more likely to become dry and brittle. 

• Using the wrong products - Just like how there are different types of shampoo and conditioner for head hair, there are also different beard care products specifically designed for certain types of beard hair. Using the wrong type of beard care product (or worse, using regular shampoo on your beard) will strip your beard of natural oils, leaving it drier than the Sahara.

• Lifestyle - Cold, dry air can dry out your beard hair. Even indoor heating or long hours in air-conditioned spaces can have the same effect. And if you're a regular swimmer, chlorine doesn’t help either.

How to Soften Your Beard With 4 Simple Tips

Tip #1: Establish a regular beard care routine 

Emphasis on the regular - there’s no point in having a beard care routine if you’re not going to stick to it. That means daily brushing, washing, beard oil, and styling products.

Start with brushing in the morning to untangle knots and distribute natural oils through the beard. Every couple of days, use a gentle beard shampoo to clean and remove daily buildup of dirt, oil, and germs, and follow with a beard conditioning butter for hydration. Then finish up the routine with beard oil or beard balm. 

This is especially important if you have a long beard - the longer beard hairs are, the higher the risk of dryness without the right care.

 Tip #2: Use the right products

Use beard shampoo to clean your beard, beard butters, balms, and oil to moisturise and hydrate. A good beard shampoo will clean your beard without stripping it of its natural oils. Beard conditioning is essential for softening hair, preventing dryness and itching. 

If you find that your beard is still dry or wiry even with regular beard care, it may be time to switch to alternative beard care products. The natural condition of your beard and the sensitivity of your facial skin may require a different set of ingredients to achieve a healthy beard.

Tip #3: Trim your beard

As your beard grows, it’s normal to develop split ends, which can cause the hair to feel more rough or prickly. Regular beard trimming will help to get rid of split ends while keeping the facial hair healthy.

Before you start trimming, comb or brush out your beard to straighten the hair - this makes it easier to identify split ends and which areas of your beard need attention. You don’t need to take off a lot of hair; a light trim every few weeks is enough to keep things soft, neat, and healthy.

Tip #4: Stay hydrated

Dry beard hair can often be a symptom of dehydration - if you’re not drinking enough water, your skin and beard will not be getting enough hydration, resulting in dry facial hair. Aim to drink water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. Your beard will thank you for it – and so will your skin.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Softer Beard?

Applying beard oil will instantly make a dry beard softer. With proper beard care and the right products, you’ll start to see a noticeable difference in the softness of your beard within 1-3 weeks. Remember, consistency is key.

As Australia’s leading beard care experts, Jericho stocks a wide range of quality beard care products that are designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, soft, and lush beard. Explore our range of beard shampoos, conditioners, and beard oils for a softer, hydrated, silky beard.